DE202013012626U1 - Absorbent article with channels - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article comprising: a front edge (10); a rear edge (12) longitudinally opposite the front edge; a front waist region (5), a rear waist region (6), a crotch region (7) disposed between the front region and the back region, each of the three regions being 1/3 of the longitudinal length of the absorbent article; a longitudinal axis (80) extending from a center of the leading edge to a center of the trailing edge; a liquid pervious topsheet (24); a liquid-impermeable backsheet (25); and an absorbent core (28) disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap surrounding an absorbent material, the core wrap comprising a first material (16) and a second material (16 '), wherein the absorbent material Comprising superabsorbent polymers, wherein the absorbent core has a first channel (26) substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the article, the first channel having a curved portion facing the longitudinal axis, and wherein an angle (A1) between a tangent of the curved portion and the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 20 degrees; and a second channel (26 ') substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers, wherein the first channel is symmetrical about the second channel about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the channels are positioned at least within the front waist region, the rear waist region and the crotch region are.

Description

AREA OF EXPERTISE

The present disclosure generally relates to personal care absorbent articles such as baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products and / or sanitary napkins. The absorbent articles may each comprise channels and / or pockets.

BACKGROUND

Personal care absorbent articles, such as disposable baby diapers, toddler training pants, or adult incontinence underwear, are designed to absorb and trap body exudates, particularly large quantities of urine or menstrual blood. These absorbent articles include, among other layers, multiple layers that provide various functions, such as a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core therebetween.

The function of the absorbent core is generally to absorb and trap the waste for a longer time, to minimize rewet to keep the wearer dry, and to avoid contamination of clothing or bedding. The majority of absorbent articles currently available on the market include as absorbent material a mixture of shredded wood pulp with particulate superabsorbent polymers (SAP), also referred to as absorbent gelling materials (AGM). Also, absorbent articles having a core consisting essentially of SAP as the absorbent material (so-called "airfelt-free" cores) have been proposed, but which are less common than conventional composite cores.

Some absorbent articles may typically include leg cuffs that provide retention of fluids and other body exudates. Leg cuffs may also be referred to as leg cuffs, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs. In general, each leg cuff comprises one or more elastic cords or elements contained in the diaper chassis, for example, between the topsheet and the backsheet in the region of the leg openings to provide an effective seal while the absorbent article is in use. These elasticized elements, which are substantially planar with the base unit of the absorbent article, are referred to herein as gasketing cuffs. It is also common for the leg cuffs to comprise increased elasticized tabs, referred to as barrier leg cuffs, which contain the retention of fluid in the leg-trunk leg Improve hull joint areas.

Absorbent articles generally have a high absorbent capacity and the absorbent core can expand by a multiple of its weight and volume. These increases may cause the absorbent article to sag in the crotch area when saturated with liquid, which may cause the barrier leg cuffs to partially lose contact with the skin of the wearer. This can lead to a loss of functionality of the barrier leg cuffs with increased likelihood of wetting.

Although various solutions have been proposed for this problem, the art may benefit from additional channel and / or pocket configurations that enhance the prevention of wetting in absorbent articles.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates in part to an absorbent article that includes a front waist edge or leading edge, a rear waist edge or trailing edge longitudinally opposite the front waist edge, and a longitudinal axis extending from a midpoint of the front waist edge to a midpoint of the trailing waist edge , may include. The absorbent article may comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a pair of barrier leg cuffs extending at least partially between the front waist edge and the back waist edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Each barrier leg cuff may comprise a proximal edge joined to the topsheet or backsheet and a free end edge. The absorbent article comprises a core at least partially absorbent between the topsheet and the backsheet, and may comprise a core wrap surrounding an absorbent material. The core wrap may include a first material and a second material. The first material may be a C-shape winding at least partially around the second material. The absorbent material may comprise at least 80% superabsorbent polymers based on the weight of the absorbent material. The absorbent core may comprise a channel substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and oriented at least partially along the length of the article. The channel may have a curved portion facing the longitudinal axis. An angle between a tangent of the curved portion and the longitudinal axis may be greater than or equal to 20 degrees. Further embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including sanitary napkin embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the manner of achieving the same will become more apparent by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the disclosure itself will be better understood. Show it:

1 a plan view of an absorbent article, with some layers partially removed, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article along the line 2-2 of 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 a view of the absorbent article from 2 wherein the absorbent article is loaded with fluid according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

4 a plan view of another absorbent article, with some layers partially removed, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

5 a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article along the line 5-5 of 4 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

6 a plan view of an absorbent core of the absorbent article of 4 some layers being partially removed, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

7 a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core along the line 7-7 of 6 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

8th a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core along the line 8-8 of 6 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

9 a plan view of an absorbent core for an absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

10 a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of two channels of 9 plotted against the longitudinal extent of the channels within the rimmed area "EA" according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

11 a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of sections of the channels of 1 graphically plotted against the longitudinal extent of the channels between lines A and B of FIG 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

12 a plan view of an absorbent core for an absorbent article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

13 a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of sections of the channels and the pocket of 12 graphically plotted against the longitudinal extent of the channels between lines C and D of FIG 12 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure;

14 - 21 Top views of absorbent cores for absorbent articles according to various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure; and

and 22 a top view of an absorbent article illustrating a sanitary napkin with some of the layers broken away, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the absorbent article having channel configurations and methods of making the same disclosed herein. One or more non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the channel-shaped absorbent articles described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the methods of making the same are non-limiting example embodiments, and the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with a non-limiting embodiment may not be limited by the features of others Embodiments are combined. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

introduction

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to disposable devices, such as toddler, child or adult diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, which are placed against the body of the wearer or near the wearer's body to remove exudates be removed from the body, absorb and trap. Typically, these articles comprise a topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, optionally a containment system (which may consist of one or more layers) and other components by-and-by, the absorbent core normally being at least partially sandwiched between the backsheet and the containment system or between the topsheet and the backsheet Lower layer is arranged. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are further illustrated in the following description and in the figures in the form of an adhesive-backed diaper. Nothing in this description should, however, be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. As such, the present disclosure applies to any suitable form of absorbent article (e.g., training diaper pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins).

A "nonwoven web" as used herein means a manufactured layer, web or mat of directionally oriented or randomly oriented fibers bonded by friction and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding paper and woven, knitted, tufted, are stitched and include binding yarns or filaments, or are felted by wet milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin and may be staple or continuous filaments or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers may have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and may occur in a number of different forms, such as short fibers (known as staple fibers or fiber chips), single continuous fibers (filaments or monofilaments). , untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (rope), and twisted bundles of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven webs can be formed by many processes such as meltbases, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carding and air laying. The basis weight of the nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g / m ² ).

The term "connected" or "bonded" or "attached" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is attached directly to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element and configurations in which one member is attached indirectly to another member by attaching the member to an intermediate member (s) attached to the other member (s).

General description of the absorbent article

An exemplary absorbent article according to the present disclosure in the form of a toddler diaper 20 is in 1 - 3 shown. 1 is a plan view of the exemplary diaper 20 in a deployed condition, with portions of the structure broken out to aid the construction of the diaper 20 to show more clearly. This diaper 20 is shown for purposes of illustration only, as the present disclosure may be used to make a wide variety of diapers or other absorbent articles.

The absorbent article may be a liquid pervious topsheet 24 , a liquid-impermeable backsheet 25 , an absorbent core 28 at least partially between the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 is arranged, and Sperrbeinbündchen 34 include. The absorbent article can also be a Receiving Distribution System ("ADS"). 50 comprise, in the illustrated example, a distribution layer 54 and a recording layer 52 which will be further explained below. The absorbent article may also include elasticized gasketing cuffs 32 comprising the base unit of the absorbent article, usually through the topsheet and / or backsheet, and being substantially planar with the base unit of the diaper.

The figures also show typical tacky diaper components, such as a fastening system, the adhesive tabs 42 includes, the direction of the trailing edge of the article are appropriate and with a landing zone 44 interact on the front part of the article. The absorbent article may also include other typical elements that are not shown, such as a rear waist elastic feature, a front waist elastic feature, transverse barrier cuffs, and / or a lotion applique, for example.

The absorbent article 20 includes a front waist edge 10 , a back waist edge 12 in the longitudinal direction opposite the front waist edge 10 , a first side edge 3 and a second side edge 4 laterally opposite the first side edge 3 , The front waist edge 10 is the edge of the article, the arrangement of which is intended for carrying to the front of the user, and the rear waist edge 12 is the opposite edge. The absorbent article may have a longitudinal axis 80 have, extending from the side center of the front edge of the waist 10 to a side center of the rear waist edge 12 extends the article and the article in two substantially symmetrical halves relative to the longitudinal axis 80 divides, wherein the article is arranged flat and viewed from above, as in 1 .t. The absorbent article may also have a transverse axis 90 have, extending from the midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the first side edge 3 to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the second side edge 4 extends. The length L of the article may be along the longitudinal axis 80 from the front waist edge 10 to the rear waist edge 12 be measured. The width of the article can be along the transverse axis 90 from the first side edge 3 to the second side edge 4 be measured. The article may comprise a crotch point C defined herein as the point located on the longitudinal axis at a distance of two-fifths (2/5) of L from the leading edge 10 of the article 20 is arranged. The article can have a front waist area 5 , a back waist area 6 , and a step area 7 include. The front waist region, the back waist region, and the crotch region each define 1/3 of the longitudinal extent of the absorbent article.

The upper class 24 , the lower class 25 , the absorbent core 28 and the other article components can be assembled in a variety of configurations, particularly by gluing or hot stamping as an example. Exemplary diaper configurations are generally in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003 . U.S. Patent 5,221,274 . U.S. Patent No. 5,554,145 . U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234 . US-Patent.Nr. 5,580,411 and U.S. Patent No. 6,004,306 described. The absorbent article may be thin. The strength at step-point C or in the crotch area 7 of the article may be, for example, from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm, or alternatively from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise an absorbent material comprising at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, or at least 99 wt% superabsorbent polymers and a core wrap surrounding the superabsorbent polymers. The core wrap may typically be two materials, substrates or nonwoven materials 16 and 16 ' for the top and bottom of the core. The core may include one or more channels that are in 1 as the four channels 26 . 26 ' and 27 . 27 ' are shown.

These and other components of the articles will now be discussed in more detail.

top layer

The upper class 24 is the part of the absorbent article that is in direct contact with the skin of the wearer. The upper class 24 can with the lower class 25 the core 28 and / or other layers, as known to those skilled in the art. Usually the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 In some places (for example, at or near the outer edge of the article) are directly connected to each other and are indirectly connected in other places, by connecting directly with one or more other elements of the article 20 are connected.

The upper class 24 can be cuddly, soft-feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 permeable to liquid and allow liquids to penetrate easily through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be of a wide variety of materials, such as porous foams; crosslinked foams; opened plastic films; or woven or nonwoven materials made of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (eg, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or blends thereof, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. If the upper class 24 Fibers, the fibers may be spunbonded, carded, wet laid, meltblown, hydroentangled or otherwise processed, as known in the art, especially spunbond PP nonwoven. A suitable topsheet comprising a web of staple length polypropylene fibers is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a division of International Paper Company of Walpole, MA, USA under the designation P-8.

Suitable shaped film topsheets are also in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 . U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 . U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 . U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 described. Other suitable upper layers 30 can according to U.S. Patent No. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643 issued to Curro et al. getting produced. Such molded films are available from Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA as "DRI-WEAVE" and from Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, VA, USA as "CLIFF-T".

Any section of the upper class 24 may be coated with a lotion as known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions include those described in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 5,607,760 . U.S. Patent No. 5,609,587 . U.S. Patent No. 5,643,588 . U.S. Patent No. 5,968,025 and U.S. Patent No. 6,716,441 are described. The upper class 24 may also contain antibacterial agents or with these some examples are given in the PCT publication WO 95/24173 are disclosed. Furthermore, the upper class 24 , the lower class 25 or any portion of the topsheet or backsheet may be embossed and / or dulled to provide a more cloth-like appearance.

The upper class 24 may include one or more openings to facilitate the passage of exudates, such as urine and / or faeces (solid, semi-solid, or liquid) through them. The size of at least the primary opening is important to achieve the desired garbage encapsulation performance. If the primary opening is too small, the debris may not permeate through the opening, either due to poor alignment of the waste source and opening position or due to fecal masses having a larger diameter than the opening. If the opening is too large, the area of the skin can become enlarged, which can be contaminated by "rewet" from the article. Typically, the entire area of the openings on the surface of a diaper may have an area between about 10 cm ² and about 50 cm ^2, or between about 15 cm ² and 35 cm ² . Examples of top layers with openings are in U.S. Patent No. 6632504 issued to BBA NONWOVENS SIMPSONVILLE. WO 2011/163582 also discloses a suitable colored topsheet having a basis weight of 12 to 18 g / m ² and comprising a plurality of bonded points. Each of the bonded dots has a surface area of 2 mm ² to 5 mm ^2, and the total surface area of the plurality of bonded dots is 10 to 25% of the total area of the topsheet.

Typical diaper topsheets have a basis weight of from about 10 to about 21 grams, or from about 12 to about 18 grams, but other basis weights are within the scope of the present disclosure.

underclass

The lower class 25 is generally the section of the article 20 facing the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 28 is arranged and prevents or at least inhibits that the precipitates that are absorbed and collected therein, soiling articles such as bedding and underwear. The lower class 25 is usually impermeable to liquids (eg urine). For example, the backsheet may be or include a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Exemplary underlayer films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation of Richmond, VA and sold under the tradename CPC2 film. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors from the diaper 20 escape, while continuing to prevent excretions through the lower layer 25 seep. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, composites such as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films such as Mitsui Toatsu Co., Japan, ESPOIR NO, and Tredegar Corporation, Richmond, VA, USA and sold under the name EXAIRE, and monolithic films, such as those manufactured by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, OH, under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097.

The lower class 25 can with the upper class 24 , the absorbent core 28 or any other element of the diaper 20 by any of the fastening methods known in the art. Suitable attachment methods are described above with respect to methods of bonding the topsheet 24 with other elements of the article 20 described. For example, the attachment methods may include a uniform continuous adhesive layer, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate bond lines, spirals, or dots. Suitable attachment methods comprising an open pattern network of adhesive filaments are disclosed in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 4,573,986 disclosed. Other suitable attachment methods include the use of multiple lines of adhesive filaments that are vortexed into a spiral pattern, as illustrated by the apparatus and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 3,911,173 . U.S. Patent No. 4,785,996 and U.S. Patent No. 4,842,666 are shown. Adhesives that have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by HB Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA and marketed under HL-1620 and HL 1358-XZP. Alternatively, the attachment methods may include thermal bonds, compression bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable fastening means, or combinations of these fastening means, as known to those skilled in the art.

Absorbent core

As used herein, the term "absorbent core" refers to the single component of the article having the largest absorbent capacity and comprising an absorbent material and a core wrap surrounding the absorbent material. The term "absorbent core" does not include the acquisition distribution system or layer or any other component of the article that is not part of the Core transformation is still arranged in the core transformation. The core may comprise or consist essentially of a core wrap, absorbent material, as defined below, and adhesive included within the core wrap.

The absorbent core 28 of the present disclosure may include an absorbent material having a large amount of the superabsorbent polymers encapsulated within a core wrap (herein abbreviated as "SAP"). The SAP content may be 70% -100% or at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100% by weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. The core wrap is not considered an absorbent material for the purpose of evaluating the percentage of SAP in the absorbent core.

By "absorbent material" is meant a material having absorbency or fluid retention properties, such as SAP, cellulosic fibers, and synthetic fibers. Usually, adhesives used in the manufacture of absorbent cores do not have absorbency and are not considered absorbent material. The SAP content may be higher than 80%, for example at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% and even up to and including 100% of the weight of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. This provides a relatively thin core compared to the conventional core, which typically comprises between 40-60% SAP and a high content of cellulosic fibers. In particular, the absorbent material may comprise less than 15% by weight or less than 10% by weight of natural or synthetic fibers, less than 5% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, or may even be substantially free of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The absorbent material may advantageously comprise little or no airfelt (cellulosic) fibers, in particular the absorbent core may have less than 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1% airfelt, based on the weight of the absorbent core. (Cellulose) fibers include or even substantially free of cellulose fibers.

The exemplary absorbent core 28 of the absorbent article of 4 - 5 is in the 6 - 8th shown isolated. The absorbent core can be a front side 280 , a back 282 and two long sides 284 . 286 which the front 280 and the back 282 connect, include. The absorbent core also includes a generally planar top and a generally planar bottom. The front 280 the core is the side of the core that faces the front waist edge 10 of the absorbent article to be arranged. The core 28 can be a longitudinal axis 80 ' have substantially the longitudinal axis of the article 80 corresponds, as in 1 seen from above in a top view. In one embodiment, the absorbent material may advantageously be distributed in the direction of the front side in a higher amount than in the direction of the back side, since higher absorbency may be required on the front side in certain articles. In one embodiment, the front and back sides of the core may be shorter than the longitudinal sides of the core. The core wrap may be of two nonwoven materials, substrates, laminates or other materials 16 . 16 ' be formed, which may be at least partially sealed along the sides of the absorbent core. The core wrap can be at least partially along its front 280 , Back side 282 , and two long sides 284 . 286 be sealed so that essentially no absorbent material emerges from the absorbent core wrap. The first material, substrate or fleece 16 may be the second material, substrate, or nonwoven 16 ' at least partially enclose to form the core wrap, as in 7 illustrated. The first material 16 can be a section of the second material 16 ' proximal to the first and second side edges 284 and 286 enclose.

The absorbent core of the present disclosure may include adhesive, for example, to assist immobilization of the SAP within the core wrap and / or to ensure the integrity of the core wrap, particularly when the core wrap is made from two or more substrates. The core wrap may expand to a larger area than is strictly required for the absorbent material to be contained therein.

Cores that contain a relatively high amount of SAP, with different core constructions are in U.S. Patent No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP 1,447,066 (Busam) WO 95/11652 (Dancer), U.S. Patent Publ. 2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf), and WO 2012/052172 (Van Malderen).

The absorbent material may be a continuous layer that is present within the core wrap. In other embodiments, the absorbent material may consist of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material trapped in the core wrap. In the first case, the absorbent material may be obtained, for example, by applying a continuous single layer of absorbent material. The continuous layer of absorbent material, particularly SAP, can also be made by combining two absorbent ones Layers having a discontinuous application pattern of absorbent material, the resulting layer being substantially continuously distributed throughout the absorbent particulate polymer material region, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publ. 2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf). The absorbent core 28 may comprise a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer. The first absorbent layer may be the first material 16 and a first layer 61 of absorbent material, which may be 100% or less SAP. The second absorbent layer may be the second material 16 ' and a second layer 62 of absorbent material, which may also be 100% or less SAP. The absorbent core 28 may also be a fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 51 comprising, at least partially, each layer of absorbent material 61 . 62 with their respective material 16 or 16 ' combines. This is in 7 - 8th as an example, wherein the first and second SAP layers are applied as cross stripes or "land areas" having the same width as the desired absorbent material deposition region on their respective substrate before being combined. The strips may advantageously comprise a different amount of absorbent material (SAP) to provide a profiled basis weight along the longitudinal axis of the core 80 provide. The first material 16 and the second material 16 ' can make the core wrap.

The fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 51 can be at least partially with the absorbent material 61 . 62 in contact with the land areas and at least partially with the materials 16 and 16 ' in contact in the connection areas. This gives the fiber layer of thermoplastic adhesive material 51 10, which is essentially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness as compared with the dimension in the direction of the length and width, has a substantially three-dimensional structure. Thereby, the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material can provide voids to cover the absorbent material in the land area and thereby render this absorbent material, which may be 100% SAP, immobile.

The thermoplastic adhesive material 51 may in its entirety comprise a single thermoplastic polymer or a blend of thermoplastic polymers having a softening point, such as the ASTM Method D-36-95 "Ring and Ball" and / or the thermoplastic adhesive material may be a hot melt adhesive comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplastic diluents, such as tackifying resins, plasticizers and adjuvants, such as antioxidants.

The thermoplastic adhesive used for the fibrous layer may have elastomeric properties such that the web formed by the fibers on the SAP layer is stretchable as the SAP swells. Exemplary elastomeric hotmelt adhesives include thermoplastic elastomers such as ethylene vinyl acetates, polyurethanes, polyolefin blends of a hard component (generally a crystalline polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene) and a soft component (such as ethylene-propylene rubber); Copolyesters such as poly (ethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene azelate); and thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymers having thermoplastic endblocks and rubbery midblocks, named ABA block copolymers: mixtures of structurally different homopolymers or copolymers, e.g. B. a mixture of polyethylene or polystyrene with an ABA block copolymer; Blends of a thermoplastic elastomer and a low molecular weight resin modifier, e.g. B. a mixture of a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer with polystyrene; and the elastomeric hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives described herein. Elastomeric hotmelt adhesives of these types are more detailed in U.S. Patent No. 4,731,066 , issued to Korpman on March 15, 1988.

The thermoplastic adhesive material may be applied as fibers. The fibers may have an average thickness of about 1 to about 50 microns, or about 1 to about 35 microns, and an average length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, or about 5 mm to about 30 mm, more specifically, all 0.1 micron increments in the above ranges and in any regions created therein or therewith. To improve the adhesion of the thermoplastic adhesive material to the materials 16 or 16 ' or on any other layer, in particular any other nonwoven layers, such layers can be pretreated with an auxiliary adhesive. The fibers adhere to one another to form a fibrous layer, which may also be described as a grid.

Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP)

"Superabsorbent polymer" ("SAP"), as used herein, refers to absorbent materials that are cross-linked polymeric materials that can absorb at least 10 times their weight in 0.9% aqueous saline solution, such as by using the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) assay (EDANA Method 241.2-05E). The SAP used may have a CRC greater than 20 g / g, greater than 24 g / g, from 20 to 50 g / g, from 20 to 40 g / g, or from 24 to 30 g / g, more specifically all 0.1 micron increments, in the above ranges and in any areas created therein or therewith. The SAPs useful in the present disclosure can include a variety of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids.

The superabsorbent polymer may be in particulate form so that it is flowable when dry. Particulate absorbent polymeric materials can be made from poly (meth) acrylic acid polymers. However, a starch-based particulate absorbent polymer material as well as polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymer, crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, crosslinked polyethylene oxide and starch-grafted polyacrylonitrile copolymer can also be used. The superabsorbent polymer may be polyacrylates and polyacrylic acid polymers internally and / or superficially crosslinked. Suitable materials are described, for example, in PCT Patent Application Nos. WO 07/047598 . WO 07/046052 . WO 2009/155265 and WO 2009/155264 described. In some embodiments, suitable superabsorbent polymer particles may be obtained by well-known methods of preparation, such as in U.S. Pat WO 2006/083584 described. The superabsorbent polymers are preferably internally crosslinked, ie, the polymerization is conducted in the presence of compounds having two or more polymerizable groups which can be radically copolymerized to the polymer network. Suitable crosslinkers are, for example, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol diacrylate, allyl methacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, triallylamine, tetraallyloxyethane, as in EP-A 530 438 described, di- and triacrylates, as in EP-A 547 847 . EP-A 559 476 . EP-A 632 068 . WO 93/21237 . WO 03/104299 . WO 03/104300 . WO 03/104301 and in DE-A 103 31 450 described, mixed acrylates containing in addition to acrylate groups further ethylenically unsaturated groups, as in DE-A 103 31 456 and DE-A 103 55 401 or crosslinker mixtures, as described for example in DE-A 195 43 368 . DE-A 196 46 484 . WO 90/15830 and WO 02/32962 are described as well as in the WO 2009/155265 described crosslinkers. The superabsorbent polymer particles may externally be surface crosslinked or postcrosslinked. Suitable postcrosslinkers include compounds containing two or more groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the carboxylate groups of the polymers. Examples of suitable compounds are alkoxysilyl compounds, polyaziridines, polyamines, polyamidoamines, di- or polyglycidyl compounds, as described in US Pat EP-A 083 022 . EP-A 543,303 and EP-A 937,736 are described, polyhydric alcohols as in DE-C 33 14 019 described, cyclic carbonates as in DE-A 40 20 780 described 2-oxazolidone and its derivatives, such as N- (2-hydroxyethyl) -2-oxazolidone, as in DE-A 198 07 502 described, bis- and poly-2-oxazolidone, as in DE-A 198 07 992 described 2-oxotetrahydro-1,3-oxazine and its derivatives, as in DE-A 198 54 573 described, N-acyl-2-oxazolidone, as in DE-A 198 54 574 described, cyclic ureas, as in DE-A 102 04 937 , bicyclic amide acetals, as in DE-A 103 34 584 described oxetane and cyclic ureas, as in EP 1,199,327 and morpholine-2,3-dione and its derivatives as described in U.S. Pat WO 03/031482 described.

In some embodiments, the SAP may be formed from polyacrylic acid / polyacrylate polymers, for example, having a degree of neutralization of 60% to 90%, or about 75%, for example, with sodium counterions.

The SAP suitable for the present disclosure may have many shapes. The term "particles" refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, platelets and other shapes and forms known to those skilled in the art of superabsorbent polymer particles. In some embodiments, the SAP particles may be in the form of fibers, i. H. elongated acicular superabsorbent polymer particles. In these embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particle fibers may have a smaller dimension (ie, the diameter of the fiber) of less than about 1 mm, generally less than about 500 μm, or less than 250 μm up to 50 μm, more specifically all 1-5. have μm increments in the above ranges and in any areas created therein or therewith. The length of the fibers may be about 3 mm to about 100 mm, more specifically, every 1 mm increments in the range given above and in any areas created therein or therewith. The fibers may also be in the form of a long filament that can be woven.

SAP can represent spherical particles. In contrast to fibers, "spherical particles" have a longest and a shortest dimension with a particle ratio of longest to shortest particle dimension in the range of 1-5, where a value of 1 corresponds to a perfectly spherical particle and 5 a certain deviation from such spherical particles would allow. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a particle size of less than 850 microns, from 50 to 850 microns, from 100 to 710 microns, or from 150 to 650 microns, more specifically all 1 micron increments in the above-recited ranges and in any of the above created areas as measured according to EDANA method WSP 220.2-05. Having a relatively small particle size, SAP can help increase the specific surface area of the absorbent material which is in contact with liquid precipitates and therefore aids in the rapid absorption of liquid precipitates.

The SAP may have a particle size in the range of 45 microns to 4000 microns, more particularly a particle size distribution in the range of 45 microns to about 2000 microns, or from about 100 microns to about 1000, 850 or 600 microns, more specifically all 1 micron increments in the have areas indicated above and in any areas therein or created therewith. The particle size distribution of a material in particulate form can be determined, for example, by dry sieve analysis (EDANA 420.02 "particle size distribution).

In some embodiments herein, the superabsorbent material may be in the form of particles having a weight average particle size of up to 2 mm, between 50 microns and 2 mm or up to 1 mm, or of 100 microns, 200 microns, 300 microns, 400 microns, 500 microns, 1000 μm, 800 μm, or 700 μm are present; as can be measured, for example, by the method described in, for example, EP-A-0,691,133 is explained. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymeric material is in the form of particles wherein at least 80% by weight of particles of size between 50 μm and 1200 μm and having a weight average particle size in any of the range combinations above. Additionally, or in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the particles may be substantially spherical. In yet another or additional embodiment of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymer material may have a relatively small range of particle sizes, e.g. Where the majority (eg at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even at least 99% by weight) of the particles have a particle size between 50 μm and 1000 μm, between 100 μm and 800 μm, or between 200 .mu.m and 600 .mu.m, more precisely, all 1 .mu.m increments in the above-mentioned areas and in any areas created therein or therewith.

The surface of the SAP may be coated, for example, with a cationic polymer. Certain cationic polymers can include polyamine or polyimine materials. In some embodiments, the SAP may be coated with chitosan materials, such as those known in the art U.S. Patent No. 7,537,832 B2 are disclosed. In some other embodiments, the SAP may include absorbent mixed bed ion exchange polymers, such as those described in U.S. Pat WO 99/34841 and WO 99/34842 are disclosed.

The absorbent core may comprise one or more types of SAP.

For most absorbent articles, liquid delivery from a wearer occurs predominantly in the front half of the article, especially a diaper. The front half of the article (as defined by the area between the leading edge and a transverse line at a distance of half L from the front waist edge 10 or rear waist edge 12 ) may therefore comprise most of the absorption capacity of the core. Thus, at least 60% of the SAP or at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 85% of the SAP may be present in the front half of the absorbent article, with the remainder of SAP being located in the back half of the absorbent article. In other embodiments, the SAP distribution in the core may be consistent throughout, or may have other suitable distributions.

The total amount of SAP present in the absorbent core may also vary depending on the expected user. Newborn diapers may require less SAP than adult infant, child or incontinence diapers. The amount of SAP in the core may be about 5 to 60 g, or from 5 to 50 g, more specifically, all 0.1 increments in the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or therewith. The average SAP basis weight within (or in "at least one," if multiple exist) deposition region 8th of the SAP can be at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or more g / m ² . The in the absorbent material deposition region 8th existing regions of the channels (eg 27 . 27 ' ) are derived from the absorbent material deposition region to calculate this average basis weight.

core wrap

The core wrap may be made from a single substrate, material or nonwoven that is folded around the absorbent material, or may include two (or more) substrates, materials, or nonwovens that are secured together. Usual fixings are the so-called C-wrap and / or the sandwich wrapping. In a C wrap, as exemplified in 2 and 7 As shown, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of one of the substrates are folded over the other substrate to form brims. These brims are then bonded to the outer surface of the other substrate, usually by gluing.

The core wrap may be formed by any materials suitable for receiving and retaining the absorbent material. Typical substrate materials used in the manufacture of conventional cores may be used, in particular paper, cloth, films, fabrics, or laminates or composites of any of these. The core wrap may be formed by a nonwoven web such as a carded nonwoven, a spunbonded nonwoven ("S") or a meltblown nonwoven ("M"), and laminates of any of these. For example, spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabrics may be suitable, particularly those having a laminate web SMS or SMMS or SSMMS structure and having a basis weight range of from about 5 g to about 15 g. Suitable materials are in U.S. Patent No. 7,744,576 . U.S. Patent Publ. 2011/0268932 A1 . U.S. Patent Publ. 2011/0319848 A1 , and U.S. Patent Publ. 2011/0250413 A1 disclosed. It is also possible to use nonwovens made of synthetic fibers, such as PE, PET and / or PP.

If the core wrapping is a first substrate, fleece or material 16 , and a second substrate, nonwoven or material 16 ' , these may be made of the same type of material or of different materials, or one of the substrates may be treated differently than the other to provide it with different properties. Since the polymers used for nonwoven fabric manufacture are inherently hydrophobic, they can preferably be coated with hydrophilic coatings when placed on the liquid receiving side of the absorbent core. It may be advantageous for the top of the core wrap, ie the side closer to the carrier in the absorbent article, to be more hydrophilic than the bottom of the core wrap. One possible way to make nonwovens having permanently hydrophilic coatings is to apply a hydrophilic monomer and a radical polymerization initiator to the nonwoven fabric and perform a polymerization that is activated by UV light, resulting in monomer being chemically bonded to the surface of the nonwoven fabric becomes. An alternative possible way to make nonwovens with permanently hydrophilic coatings is to coat the nonwoven fabric with hydrophilic nanoparticles, as in WO 02/064877 described.

In some embodiments, permanently hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are also useful. The surface tension as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,744,576 (Busam et al.) Can be used to measure how long a certain degree of hydrophilicity is achieved. The fluid passage, as in U.S. Patent No. 7,744,576 can be used to measure the degree of hydrophilicity. The first and / or second substrate when wetted with saline may have a surface tension of at least 55, at least 60, or at least 65 mN / m or more. The substrate may also have a liquid passage time of less than 5 seconds for a fifth burst of liquid. These values can be measured using the test methods described in U.S. Patent No. 7,744,576 B2 : "Determination of the surface tension" and "Determination of the passage".

The hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined in terms of the contact angle and the passage time of the liquids, for example through a nonwoven fabric. This is detailed in the publication of American Chemical Society entitled "Contact Angle, Wettability, and Adhesion," edited by Robert F. Gould (copyright 1964) , discussed. A substrate having a lower contact angle between the water and the surface of the substrate may be termed more hydrophilic than another.

The substrates can also be permeable to air. Films useful herein may therefore include micropores. The substrate may have, for example, an air permeability of 40 or 50 to 300 or 200 m ³ / (m ² × min) as determined by EDANA method 140-1-99 (125 Pa, 38.3 cm ² ). The core wrap material may alternatively have lower air permeability, e.g. B. not be permeable to air, for example, to facilitate handling on a moving, vacuum-comprehensive surface.

The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along all sides of the absorbent core so that substantially no absorbent material exits the core. By "substantially no absorbent material" is meant that less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, or about 0% by weight of absorbent material escapes from the core wrap. The term "caulking" should be understood in a broad sense. The seal along the entire periphery of the core wrap need not be continuous, but may be discontinuous along part or all of it, such as formed by a series of seal points spaced along a line. A gasket may be formed by gluing and / or thermal bonding.

If the core wrap by two substrates 16 . 16 ' Four seals can be used to seal the absorbent material 60 within the core wrap. For example, a first substrate 16 on one side of the core (the top, as shown in the figures) and extending around the longitudinal edges of the core to at least partially wrap around the opposite bottom of the core. The second substrate 16 ' can be between the covered brims of the first substrate 16 and the absorbent material 60 to be available. The brims of the first substrate 16 can with the second substrate 16 ' glued to create a strong seal. This so-called C-wrap construction can provide advantages over a sandwich seal, such as improved resistance to bursting in a wet, fully charged condition. The front and back of the core wrap may then also be sealed to one another by, for example, bonding the first substrate and the second substrate together to allow complete encapsulation of the absorbent material over the entire edge region of the core. For the front and back of the core, the first and second substrates may extend in a substantially planar direction and be joined together, forming a so-called sandwich construction for these edges. In the so-called sandwich construction, the first and second substrates may also extend outwardly on all sides of the core and be sealed flat along the entire periphery of the core or portions thereof, typically by gluing and / or heat / pressure bonding. In one embodiment, neither first nor second substrates need to be formed so that they can be cut rectangular for ease of manufacture, but other shapes are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The core wrap may also be formed by a single substrate which, as in a package wrap, may encase the absorbent material and be sealed along the front and back of the core and a longitudinal seal.

SAP deposition region

The absorbent material deposition region 8th may be defined by the edge region of the layer which, viewed from the top of the absorbent core, is defined by the absorbent material 60 is formed within the core wrap. The absorbent material deposition region 8th may have various shapes, in particular, a so-called "dogbone" or "watchglass" shape that shows a taper along its width toward the center or "crotch" area of the core. In this way, the absorbent material deposition region 8th have a relatively narrow width in a region of the core intended to be arranged in the crotch region of the absorbent article as in 1 illustrated. This can provide, for example, a better wearing comfort. The absorbent material deposition region 8th Thus, at its narrowest point (measured in the transverse direction), it may have a width that is less than about 100 mm, 90 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, or even less than about 50 mm. This narrowest width may also be at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm smaller than the width of the deposition region 8th at its largest point in the front and / or rear of the deposition region 8th , The absorbent material deposition region 8th can also be rectangular in general, for example as in 4 - 6 however, other depositional regions, such as a "T,""Y,""hourglass" or "dogbone" shapes, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The basis weight (amount per unit area) of the SAP can also be along the deposition region 8th be varied to produce a profiled distribution of absorbent material, in particular SAP, in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction or in both directions of the core. Thus, the basis weight of the absorbent material may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core as well as along the transverse axis or along any axis parallel to one of these axes. Thus, for example, the basis weight of SAP in the relatively high basis weight regions may be at least 10% or 20% or 30% or 40% or 50% higher than in a relatively low basis weight region. In one embodiment, this may be in the absorbent material deposition region 8th SAP present at the longitudinal position of step C, as compared to another region of the absorbent material deposition region 8th have more SAP per unit area.

The absorbent material may be deposited using known techniques, which may allow relatively precise deposition of SAP at a relatively high speed. In particular, the SAP printing technology, as in U.S. Patent Publ. 2008/0312617 and U.S. Patent Publ. 2010/0051166 A1 (both of Hundorf et al.) can be used. This technique uses a pressure roller to apply SAP to a substrate disposed on a grid of a carrier, which may include a plurality of transverse bars that extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart to form channels that intervene extend the plurality of transverse bars. This technology enables accurate high-speed deposition of SAP on a substrate. The channels of the absorbent core may be formed, for example, by modifying the pattern of the grid and the receiving drums so that in Areas that correspond to the channels, no SAP is applied. The EP application number 11169396.6 discloses this modification in more detail.

channels

The absorbent material deposition region 8th can have at least one channel 26 at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the article 80 oriented (ie having a vector component in the longitudinal direction). Other channels may be oriented at least partially in the width direction (ie, have a vector component in the width direction) or in any other direction. In the following, the plural form "channels" is used to refer to "at least one channel". The channels may have a length L 'which is on the longitudinal axis 80 ' of the article which is at least 10% of the length L of the article. The channels may be formed in various ways. For example, the channels may pass through zones in the absorbent material deposition region 8th are formed, which are substantially free of absorbent material, in particular SAP, or may be free. Additionally or alternatively, the channel (s) may also be formed by continuously or discontinuously connecting the top of the core wrap to the bottom of the core wrap through the absorbent material deposition region 8th be formed. The channels may be continuous, but it is also considered that the channels may be broken. The recording distribution system or layer 50 , or another layer of the article, may also include channels that may or may not correspond to the channels of the absorbent core.

In some embodiments, the channels may be at least at the same level in the longitudinal direction as the step-point C or the transverse axis 60 be present in the absorbent article as in 1 with the two longitudinally extending channels 26 . 26 ' shown. The channels can also be from the crotch area 7 extend out or can be in the front waist area 5 and / or in the back waist area 6 of the article.

The absorbent core 28 may also include more than two channels, for example, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 or more. Shorter channels may also be present, for example in the back waist region 6 or front waist area 5 of the core, as through the pair of channels 27 . 27 ' in 1 shown in the front part of the article. The channels may have one or more pairs of symmetrically arranged, or otherwise relative to the longitudinal axis 80 arranged channels.

The channels may be particularly suitable in the absorbent core if the absorbent material deposition region is rectangular, as the channels may improve the flexibility of the core to an extent such that the use of a non-rectangular (shaped) core is less advantageous. Of course, channels may also be present in a layer of SAP with a shaped deposition region.

The channels may extend substantially in the longitudinal direction, meaning that each channel extends more in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction, or at least twice as long in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction (as measured by projection on the respective axis). In other embodiments, the channels may extend substantially laterally, which means that each channel extends more in the lateral direction than in the transverse direction, or at least twice as long in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction (as measured after projection on the respective axis).

The channels can be completely oriented in the longitudinal direction and parallel to the longitudinal axis or completely transverse and parallel to the transverse axis, but they can also be curved. In various embodiments, some or all of the channels, particularly the channels, may be in the crotch area 7 are present, concave to the longitudinal axis 80 be like, for example 1 for the pair of channels 26 . 26 ' shown. The radius of curvature may ordinarily be at least equal to (and may be at least 1.5 or at least 2.0 times that average transverse dimension) of the average transverse dimension of the absorbent layer; and may also be straight but at an angle of (eg 5 °) up to 30 °, up to 20 °, up to 10 ° with a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis. The radius of curvature may be constant for a channel, or may vary along its length. This may also include channels with an angle therein, provided that the angle between two parts of a channel is at least 120 °, at least 150 °; and in any case with the proviso that the longitudinal extent of the channel is more than the transverse extent. The channels can also be branched. For example, a central on the longitudinal axis in the crotch area 7 lying channel, which is towards the rear edge of the waist 12 and / or towards the front waist edge 10 of the article branches.

In some embodiments, no channel exists with the longitudinal axis 80 of the article or the core coincides. When as symmetrical pairs relative to the longitudinal axis 80 present, the channels may be spaced from each other over their entire longitudinal dimension. The shortest distance distance may be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 16 mm as an example.

Further, to reduce the risk of fluid leakage, the main channels are not allowed to extend longitudinally to one of the edges of the absorbent material deposition region 8th extend, and therefore can be completely in the absorbent material deposition region 8th to be included in the core. The shortest distance between a channel and the nearest edge of the absorbent material deposition region 8th can be at least 5 mm.

The channels may have a width Wc along at least a portion of their length that is at least 2mm, at least 3mm, at least 4mm, for example, 20mm, 16mm, or 12mm, for example. The width of the channel may be constant substantially throughout the length of the channel or may vary along its length. When the channels pass through an absorbent material-free zone in the absorbent material deposition region 8th are formed, the width of the channels is considered as the width of the material-free zone, regardless of the possible presence of the core wrap in the channels. If the channels are not formed by free zones, for example, primarily by connecting the core wrapper through the absorbent material zone, the width of the channels is the width of that connection.

At least some or all of the channels may be permanent channels, meaning that their integrity is at least partially maintained in both the dry and wet states. Permanent channels may be obtained by providing one or more adhesive materials, for example, the fibrous layer of adhesive material or structural adhesive which aids in bonding a substrate to an absorbent material in the walls of the channel. Permanent channels may also be formed by interconnecting the top and bottom of the core wrap (eg, the first substrate 16 and the second substrate 16 ' ) and / or the upper class 24 with the lower class 25 be formed by the channels. Typically, an adhesive may be used to bond both sides of the core wrap or the topsheet and a backsheet through the channels, however, bonding is possible by other known methods such as pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding or a combination thereof. The core wrap or the upper class 24 and the lower class 25 may be continuously bound or interrupted along the channels. The channels may advantageously remain visible or at least through the topsheet and / or backsheet when the absorbent article is fully loaded with a fluid. This can be achieved by making the channels substantially free of SAP so that they do not swell and large enough so that they do not close off when wet. Further, bonding the core wrap to itself or the topsheet to the backsheet through the channels may be advantageous.

9 illustrates an exemplary absorbent core 28 of the present disclosure. This core 28 and the cores that are in 12 and 14 - 20 may be used in the absorbent article of the present disclosure and may have many or all of the features discussed herein. In various embodiments, profiles may be the sum of the transverse widths of one or more channels (plotted on the y-axis) relative to the longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' (plotted on the x-axis) are plotted from portions of the one or more channels. In other words, the sum of the transverse widths of the one or more channels over a particular longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' of the one or more channels to create a profile.

To obtain data for such profiles, first the absorbent article or absorbent core should be placed on a light table or light source suitable for viewing the channels in the absorbent core. When the absorbent core is used, it should first be removed from the absorbent article using appropriate techniques. The wearer-side surface of the absorbent article or absorbent core should point away from the surface of the light table. The absorbent article or absorbent core should be attached to the light-illuminated surface of the light table or light source using adhesive tape or other fasteners. Next should be a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' (eg 5mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 50mm, 100mm) for measurement. A rigid or flexible measuring tape, graduated in mm, should be used to determine the longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to eat. On the absorbent article or the absorbent core should each be at the end of the longitudinal extent on the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' a point can be arranged. Next, a line should be parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' is to be pulled through every point. This region enclosed by the lines "EA" is the region to be measured. This enclosed region "EA" may be a portion of the longitudinal extent of the absorbent article or absorbent core or the entire length of the absorbent article or absorbent core from the front waist edge 10 or front side 280 to the rear waist edge 12 or back 282 be. In some cases, it may be desirable to profile a long length of the absorbent article or absorbent core while it is in place other cases may be desirable to profile a short longitudinal extent. After the longitudinal stretch to be used is indicated on the absorbent article or absorbent core, the sum of the transverse widths of the channels in the enclosed region parallel to the transverse axis should be measured every 5 mm along the longitudinal extent using the tape measure. If there is only one channel in a particular 5mm increment in the enclosed region "EA", only one width represents the sum of the transverse widths of the channel in the particular increment, whereas if more than one channel is in a particular 5mm Increment in the enclosed region "EA", the sum of the transverse widths in this increment represents the sum of these two or more transverse widths of the channels. These results should then be plotted to produce a profile or graph plotting the sum of the transverse widths of the one or more channels on the Y-axis and the longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' where they were taken, is plotted on the x-axis. The X-axis should be graduated in 5mm increments to match the transverse width measurements taken every 5mm along the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' be made. The y-axis may be graduated in 1-mm increments, 2-mm increments, or greater than 2-mm increments, depending on the values of the sum of the transverse widths of the one or more channels.

With reference to 9 as an example, the enclosed region "EA" lies between the two dashed lines at the end of the longitudinal extent L 'of the one or more channels along the longitudinal axis 80 ' , For all embodiments of the absorbent core 28 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 80 ' the longitudinal axis 80 of the absorbent article and the transverse axis 90 ' corresponds to the transverse axis 90 of the absorbent article. Cross-section measurements of the channels 26 and 26 ' become parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' made every 5 mm. Each 5mm increment is shown as a line "L" in 9 specified. The first measurement is taken from the upper dashed line "TL" 5 mm into the enclosed region "EA". Although 9 not to scale, a profile would be the sum of the transverse widths in a direction parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' in general like the sample profile of 10 appearance. The longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 is plotted on the X-axis and the sum of the transverse widths is plotted on the Y-axis. In this example, the sums of the transverse widths of the channels in the enclosed region (every 5 mm) are every 10 mm (5v mm per channel). Other sums of the transverse widths of the channels are within the scope of the present disclosure. Exemplary sums of the transverse widths may range from 5mm to 120mm, more specifically, every 1mm increments in the stated range and in all ranges formed therein or therewith. The enclosed region may, for example, be at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 60 mm or at least 70 mm along the longitudinal axis 90 ' extend. The enclosed region may be smaller for sanitary napkins because their absorbent cores are usually smaller than diapers. That's the profile 9 constant, or substantially constant, as the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 and 26 every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' should have the same value. If only channel 26 in the enclosed region of 9 would be present, the profile would also be constant, or substantially constant, since in this embodiment along the longitudinal extent F 'the transverse width of the channel 26 measured parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' constant, or substantially constant. The second channel 26 ' can be on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' as the first channel 26 be positioned. The profile of the second channel 26 ' can extend to a longitudinal extent, like L 'of 9 Also, be constant or substantially constant, since the transverse width of the second channel 26 ' to the channel longitudinal extent F 'is constant or substantially constant. In other embodiments, the transverse widths of each channel 26 and 26 ' be constant, substantially constant or variable along a longitudinal extent or a portion thereof. In other embodiments, a channel (e.g., channel 26 ) have a constant or substantially constant transverse width on its longitudinal extent, while the other channel (eg channel 26 ' ) may have a varying transverse width on its longitudinal extent. In the embodiment of 9 can the channel 26 and the channel 26 ' the same longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' exhibit. In other embodiments, the first and second or more channels may each have a different longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' exhibit.

The above is only a non-limiting example configuration thereof, such as the sum of the transverse widths over a particular longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' to measure. As discussed below, other profiles within the scope of the present disclosure are also based on the configurations and / or orientations of the channels in the measured longitudinal extent and / or in the enclosed region.

Again with reference to 9 can be a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal extent on a first side of the transverse axis 90 ' be different than a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over another section of the Longitudinal extension on a second side of the transverse axis 90 ' , In other embodiments, the profile may be the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal extent on the first side of the transverse axis 90 ' the same or substantially the same as the profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 and 26 ' over a portion of the longitudinal extent on the second side of the transverse axis 90 ' ,

In one embodiment, with reference to 1 , the absorbent core can 28 at least three channels or four channels (eg 26 . 26 ' . 27 . 27 ' ). These channels may be free or substantially free (eg, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1%) of superabsorbent polymers, and may be at least partially in Longitudinal direction and / or at least partially oriented in the transverse direction. In various embodiments, the longitudinal extensions of the channels 26 and 26 ' along the longitudinal axis 80 the same, essentially the same (eg, in 2 mm or less to each other), or be different and the longitudinal extensions of the channels 27 and 27 ' along the longitudinal axis 80 may be the same, essentially the same or different. The longitudinal extent of the channels 26 and 26 ' may be greater than the longitudinal extent of the channels 27 and 27 ' , The average transverse width across the longitudinal extensions of the channels 27 and 27 ' may be the same, essentially the same or may be different. Likewise, the average transverse width over the longitudinal extent of the channels 26 and 26 ' the same, essentially the same or different. The average transverse width of one of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and 27 ' may be the same, essentially the same or different. This rationale may apply to any of the channel configurations disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, again with reference to 1 , at least two of the three channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and 27 ' at least partially longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 80 be oriented to the article. Each of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and 27 ' can transverse widths parallel to the transverse axis 90 exhibit. With reference to 11 may be a profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the channels over a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm or greater along the longitudinal axis 80 have two maximum peaks "MP". The maximum peaks may be separated from each other by a gap "G" of at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm or more from the longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 extends. An example of such a profile is in 11 illustrated. The profile of 11 was between the longitudinal extent, represented by the lines A and B, every 5 mm in the longitudinal extent (represented by dots along the first side edge 3 ). On the absorbent article lines should be parallel to the transverse axis 90 and each point be shown intersecting. The sum of the transverse width of the channels parallel to the transverse axis 90 should be measured on each line using the tape measure. Although the maximum peaks "MP" of 11 separated by a 5 mm gap "G", this gap could be less than 1 mm or more than 1 mm, for example, 1-15 mm or 1-9 mm.

Again with reference to 11 can the profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and or 27 ' over a longitudinal extent of at least 20 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 may be bimodal and may have a section between the two peaks, where the sum of the transverse widths of at least three of the canals 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and 27 ' or from all channels is zero. This section where the sum of the transverse widths at least three of the channels 26 . 26 ' . 27 , and 27 ' or all channels is zero, is through the gap G in 11 specified.

In another embodiment, with reference to 12 , the absorbent core can 28 the first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' comprise as described above, and one or more pockets 29 that are free from or substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers. As an example, the bag 29 a width dimension of 20 mm to 110 mm or less or more, such as 90 mm (about the transverse axis 90 ' ) and a length dimension of 30 mm to 00 mm or less or more, such as 50 mm (along the longitudinal axis 80 ' ) exhibit. The one or more bags 29 may have a section that is on the longitudinal axis 80 ' is arranged and in the front waist area 5 , rear waist area 6 , and / or in the crotch area 7 can be arranged. In another embodiment, a pocket may extend into two or more areas. Even though 9 . 12 and 14 - 20 only an absorbent core 28 show, it is understood that the front waist area 5 , the back waist area 6 , and the crotch area 7 generally correspond to such areas on the absorbent article as described in U.S. Pat 1 are illustrated. A section of one or more bags 29 does not need on the longitudinal axis 80 ' to be arranged. In one embodiment, the one or more pockets 29 have a section on the transverse axis 90 ' is arranged. The pocket 29 has transverse widths, measured parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' , and Longitudinal dimensions, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 ' , on. A profile of the sum of the transverse widths of the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' and the transverse widths of the bag 29 over a longitudinal extent of 50 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have two separate, constant, or substantially constant sections, as in representative form in FIG 13 illustrated. 13 is the sum of the transverse widths of the superabsorbent polymer-free or substantially superabsorbent polymer-free regions of the channels 26 and 26 ' and the bag 29 from line C to line D in 12 , The longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis 80 ' between lines C and D may be at least 50 mm or less or more. How out 13 can be seen, the profile has two constant, or substantially constant sections representing the sum of the transverse widths of the channels alone, and a section that is greater than the constant, or substantially constant sections, which is the sum of the transverse widths of the channels channels 26 and 26 ' and the transverse widths of the bag 29 represents. The sum of the transverse widths of the first channel 26 , the second channel 26 ' , and the bag 29 at a point between the lines C and D may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 100 mm as an example. The transverse widths should be every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' , as discussed above, and measured between lines C and D. The pocket 29 may be a pocket "BM" for bowel movement designed to withstand BM. In another embodiment, with reference to 14 , the bag can 29 ' at least partially in the front waist area 5 may be arranged and may be a urine handling or retention bag. In yet another embodiment, with reference to 15 , the bag can 29 '' at least partially in the crotch area 7 may be arranged and may be a urine handling or retention bag and / or a BM bag. The pocket 29 '' may have longitudinal side edges, which through the laterally inner sides of the channels 26 and 26 ' may be formed or may have longitudinal side edges which are independent of the laterally inner side edges of the channels 26 and 26 ' be formed. The bags 29 . 29 ' , or 29 '' can transverse widths, parallel to the transverse axis 90 ' every 5 mm along the longitudinal axis 80 ' measured, in the range of 10 mm to 110 mm, 20 mm to 100 mm, or 30 mm to 95 mm, more precisely all 1-mm increments in the above-mentioned areas and have any areas therein or created.

In yet another embodiment, with reference to 16 , the absorbent core can 28 the first channel 26 and / or the second channel 26 ' and a third channel 26 '' (sometimes referred to in the claims as a second channel when one of the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' not mentioned). The third channel 26 '' may be free of, or substantially free of superabsorbent polymers and may be in the back waist area 6 , Step area 7 , and / or front waist area 5 be arranged. The third channel 26 '' can be within 0-50 mm from the back waist edge 12 or the back 282 or within 0-50 mm from the front waist edge 10 or the front 280 be arranged. All 1 mm increments in the above ranges are specifically set forth herein, including all areas formed therein or therewith. A sum of the transverse widths of the first channel 26 and the third channel 26 '' or the first channel 26 , the second channel 26 ' , and the third channel 26 '' at a point along the longitudinal axis (for example, point E of 16 ), which is 50 mm, or 30 mm, or 20 mm, or 15 mm, or 10 mm, or 5 mm, or 1 mm, or less from the back 282 or the rear waist edge 12 or the front 280 or front waist edge 10 may be greater than zero. 17 illustrates an absorbent core 28 comprising a first channel 26 , a second channel 26 ' , a third channel 31 , and a fourth channel 3Γ , All of these channels can be optional. The sum of the transverse widths of the third channel 31 and the fourth channel 31 ' at a point along the longitudinal axis 80 ' (for example, point F of 17 ), which is 50 mm or 30 mm or 20 mm or 15 mm or 10 mm or 5 mm or 3 mm, or 1 mm or less from the rear waist edge 12 , the back 282 , the front waist edge 10 , or the front 280 may be greater than zero.

In one embodiment, with reference to 18 , may be the first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' each a first curved section 33 in the front waist area 5 and a second curved portion 33 ' in the back waist area 6 exhibit. The curved sections 33 and 33 ' can be the longitudinal axis 80 ' to be facing. The first channel 26 and the second channel 26 ' can also have a third curved section 33 '' in the crotch area 7 or a non-curved section 33 '' in the crotch area 7 exhibit. The curved sections 33 '' or the sections 33 '' can also be the longitudinal axis 80 ' to be facing. The tangents 35 the curved sections 33 can the longitudinal axis 80 ' divide to produce an angle A1. The cutting angle A1 between the tangents 35 and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, 20 degrees to 75 degrees, 30 degrees to 60 degrees, or 45 degrees. The tangents 35 ' the curved sections 33 ' can the longitudinal axis 80 ' cut to produce the angle A2. The intersection angle A2 between the tangents 35 ' and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, 20 degrees to 75 degrees, 30 degrees to 60 degrees, or 45 degrees. The tangents 35 '' the curved sections 33 '' can the longitudinal axis 80 ' cut to produce the angle A3. The intersection angle A3 between the tangents 35 '' and the longitudinal axis 80 ' can range from 0.1 degrees to 35 degrees or 1 degrees to 20 degrees. In one embodiment, the tangents may be from the non-curved sections 33 '' in the crotch area 7 extend. The tangents need the longitudinal axis 80 ' not to cut and can instead be in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 ' extend. All 0.5 degree increments in the areas defined in this section are given herein, including all areas formed therein or therewith.

As in 18 can be seen, the first tangent 35 from the first curved section 33 on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' have a positive slope (slope / gradient) and the first tangent 35 from the first curved section 33 on the second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a negative slope. The second tangent 35 ' from the second curved section 33 ' on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a negative slope and the second tangent 35 ' from the second curved section 33 ' on the second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' may have a positive slope. The tangents 35 '' may also have a positive or a negative slope. The slopes of the various tangents may be different if the configuration of the channels is different.

Again with reference to 18 , the angles A1, A2, and A3 can be on a first side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' be different, be the same as, or be substantially the same as the angles A1, A2, and A3, respectively, on a second side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' , In one embodiment, with respect to the angles on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' , the angle A1 may be greater than the angles A2 and A3 and the angle A2 may be greater than the angle A3. In other embodiments, with respect to the angles on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' For example, angles A1 and angles A2 may be the same or substantially the same, while angle A3 may be smaller than angles A1 and A2. In still other embodiments, one of the angles may be on one side of the longitudinal axis 80 ' be the same or different.

The tangents 35 at the portions of the curved sections 33 in the front waist area 5 are used. The tangents 35 ' at the portions of the curved sections 33 ' in the back waist area 6 are used. The tangents 35 '' at the portions of the curved sections 33 '' in the crotch area 7 are used.

The longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' can on an absorbent article or the absorbent core by connecting the centers of the first waist edge 10 or first page 280 and the second waist edge 12 or second page 282 be drawn. The tangents may be drawn on the absorbent article or absorbent core using a straight edge. There may be several tangents on a curved section in the front waist area 5 , rear waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 be drawn. The tangents should be drawn long enough around the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to cut, unless they are parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' arranged. A protractor graduated in 1 degree increments can then be used to calculate the angles (A1, A2, and A3) between the tangents and the longitudinal axis 80 or 80 ' to eat. If in the absorbent core 28 additional channels are present, additional tangents to these channels may be drawn in the same or similar manner.

In one embodiment, with reference to 19 , can be an absorbent core, in addition to the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' discussed above, a channel or bag 37 which is free or substantially free of superabsorbent polymers. A section of the canal or bag 37 can be on the longitudinal axis 80 ' lie. The channel or the bag 37 can have a curved section 39 include, the side 284 or the second side edge 4 facing, and another curved section 39 ' , the side 282 or the first side edge 3 is facing. An angle, A4, between a tangent 41 ' (or 41 ) of the curved section 39 ' (or 39 ) and the longitudinal axis 80 ' may range from about 0.1 degrees to 40 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 20 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 15 degrees, 0.1 degrees to 10 degrees, or 0.1 degrees to five degrees, more specifically all 0.1 degree increments in the above-defined areas and all areas formed therein or therewith. In one embodiment, the tangent may be 41 (or 41 ' ) parallel to the longitudinal axis 80 ' extend and never the longitudinal axis 80 ' to cut. The channel or the bag 37 Can be at least partially in the front waist area 5 , rear waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 be arranged.

In one embodiment, with reference to 20 , can be an absorbent core 28 in addition to the first and second channels 26 and 26 ' , a channel or a bag 43 with one on the longitudinal axis 80 ' arranged portion include. The channel or the bag 43 may have a longitudinal extent in the range of 10 mm to 150 mm and a transverse width of 10 mm to about 150 mm, more precisely, every 1 mm increments in the specified ranges and all formed therein or therewith Have areas. Other dimensions are also within the scope of the present disclosure. The channel or the bag 43 Can be in the front waist area 5 or rear waist area 6 , or be arranged in both. The channel or the bag 43 can have a curved section 45 have, the front 280 or the front waist edge 10 facing, if the channel or the bag 43 in the front waist area 5 is arranged, and a curved section 45 the back 282 or the back waist area 12 facing, if the channel or the bag 43 in the back waist area 6 is arranged. The channel or the bag 43 may in some cases be in the crotch area 7 extend into it. A tangent 47 of the curved section 45 can make an angle with the longitudinal axis 80 ' in the range of 70 degrees to HO degrees, 80 degrees to 100 degrees, 85 degrees to 85 degrees, about 90 degrees, or 90 degrees, more specifically, in the range of all 0.5 degree increments in and within the specified ranges generate formed areas.

In one embodiment, with reference to 21 , can be an absorbent core 28 , in addition to first and second channels 26 and 26 ' , a pocket 53 in the crotch area 7 and / or in the back waist area 6 and one or more channels 55 in the back waist area 6 and / or in the crotch area 7 include. In other embodiment, the bag 53 in the crotch area 7 and / or front waist area 5 present and the one or more channels 55 can in the crotch area 7 and / or the front waist area 5 available. The pocket 53 and the one or more channels 55 may be BM pockets or channels and / or urine handling pockets and / or channels. The channels 55 can generally move laterally around the transverse axis 90 ' extend. The various parameters discussed herein may, if appropriate 21 hold true. For example, at least one or all channels 55 a tangent 59 exhibit, extending from a curved section 57 extends from it. The between the tangent 59 and the longitudinal axis 80 ' angles formed may be 80 degrees to 100 degrees, about 90 degrees, or 90 degrees as an example.

Barrier leg cuffs

The absorbent article may be a pair of barrier leg cuffs 34 include. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed from a piece of material that is bonded to the article so that it extends upwardly from the inner surface of the article and provides enhanced retention of fluids and other body exudates at approximately the junction of the torso and the legs of the wearer can. The barrier leg cuffs are from a proximal edge 64 limited, directly or indirectly, with the upper class 24 and / or the lower class 25 and a free end edge 66 which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs extend at least partially between the front waist edge 10 and the back waist edge 12 of the absorbent article on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 80 and are present at least at the level of the step (C) or crotch area. The barrier leg cuffs may be at the proximal edge 64 with the basic unit of the article through a binding 65 which can be made by gluing, melt bonding or a combination of other suitable bonding methods. The connection 65 at the proximal edge 64 can be continuous or intermittent. The binding closest to the raised portion of the leg cuffs 65 limits the proximal edge 64 the standing portion of the leg cuffs.

The barrier leg cuffs can be integral with the upper layer 24 or the lower class 25 or may be a separate material connected to the article base unit. The material of the Sperrbeinbündchen can extend over the entire length of the diapers, but can also with the upper class 24 towards the front waist edge 10 and the back waist edge 12 the article "glued" so that in these sections the barrier leg cuff material with the upper layer 24 remains flush.

Each barrier leg cuff 34 can have one, two or more elastic cords 35 near this free end edge 66 to provide a better seal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 34 the articles can seal cuffs 32 , with the basic unit of the absorbent article, in particular with the upper layer 24 and / or the lower class 25 , connected and arranged outside relative to the barrier leg cuffs. The sealing cuffs 32 can provide a better seal around the legs of the wearer. Each sealing leg cuff may include one or more elastic cords or elastic members in the base unit of the absorbent article between the topsheet 24 and lower class 25 in the area of leg openings.

US Pat. US 3,860,003 describes a disposable diaper that provides a contractible leg opening with a side bolster and one or more elastic members to provide an elastic leg cuff (a cuff). U.S. Patent No. 4,808,178 and U.S. Patent 4,909,803 , issued to Aziz et al., describe disposable diapers having elasticized " standing up " Flaps (barrier leg cuffs) that improve the containment of the leg areas. U.S. Patent No. 4,695,278 and U.S. Patent No. 4,795,454 , issued to Lawson and Dragoo respectively, describe disposable diapers having dual cuffs, including gasketing cuffs and barrier leg cuffs. The entirety or a portion of the barrier leg and / or sealing cuffs may be treated with a lotion.

Recording Distribution System

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be a receiving distribution layer or system 50 (herein "ADS"). One function of the ADS is the rapid elimination of the fluid and its distribution to the absorbent core effectively. The ADS may comprise one, two or more layers that may form a uniform layer or may remain as discrete layers that may be bound together. In an embodiment, the ADS may comprise two layers: a distribution layer 54 and a recording layer 52 sandwiched between the absorbent core and the topsheet, however, the present disclosure is limited to this embodiment.

The ADS may include SAP, as it may slow down the uptake and distribution of the fluid. Suitable ADSs are for example in WO 2000/59430 (Daley), WO 95/10996 (Richards), U.S. Patent No. 5,700,254 (McDowall) and WO 02/067809 (Graef).

distribution layer

The spreading layer of the ADS may comprise at least 50% by weight of crosslinked cellulose fibers. The crosslinked cellulosic fibers may be crimped, twisted or curled, or a combination thereof, including crimped, twisted and curled. This type of material is in U.S. Patent Publ. 2008/0312622 A1 (Hundorf). The crosslinked cellulosic fibers provide greater elasticity and thus greater resistance to compression of the first absorbent layer in the product package or under conditions of use, e.g. B. under the weight of a baby. This provides for the core a higher void volume, higher permeability and liquid absorption, and thus reduced leakage and improved dryness.

Exemplary chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers suitable for a distribution layer are disclosed in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 5,549,791 . U.S. Patent No. 5,137,537 . WO 9534329 or U.S. Patent Publ. 2007/118087 disclosed. Exemplary crosslinkers include polycarboxylic acids, such as citric acid, and / or polyacrylic acids, such as acrylic acid and maleic acid copolymers.

The spreading layer comprising crosslinked cellulosic fibers of the present disclosure may comprise other fibers, but this layer may advantageously be at least 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90% or even up to 100% by weight of the layer , of crosslinked cellulose fibers (including crosslinking agents). Examples of such a mixed layer of crosslinked cellulose fibers may include about 70% by weight of chemically crosslinked cellulose fibers, about 10% by weight of polyester (PET) fibers, and about 20% by weight of untreated pulp fibers. In another example, the layer of crosslinked cellulosic fibers may comprise about 70% by weight chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers, about 20% by weight lyocell fibers, and about 10% by weight PET fibers. In another example, the layer may comprise about 68% by weight chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers, about 16% by weight untreated pulp fibers, and about 16% by weight PET fibers. In another example, the layer of crosslinked cellulosic fibers may comprise about 90-100 wt.% Of chemically crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

The distribution layer 54 may also be a material having a water retention value of from 25 to 60, preferably from 30 to 45, measured as in US Pat. No. 5,137,537 disclosed methods.

The spreading layer may usually have an average basis weight of 30 to 400 g / m ² or from 100 to 300 g / m ² , more specifically, it is all 1.0 g / m ² increments in the above ranges and in any of them or created areas. The density of the spreading layer may vary depending on the compression of the article, but may be between 0.03 to 0.15 g / cm ³ or 0.08 to 0.10 g / cm ³ , more specifically, it is all 1.0 g / cm ³ increments in the ranges given above and in any regions created therein or therewith, measured at 2.07 kPa (0.30 psi).

recording layer

The ads can have a recording layer 52 include. The recording layer can be between the distribution layer 54 and the upper class 24 be arranged. The recording layer 52 may be a nonwoven material or comprise, such as an SMS or SMMS material comprising a spunbonded, a meltblown and further spunbonded layer, or alternatively a carded chemically bonded nonwoven web. The nonwoven material may be latex bonded. Exemplary upper acquisition layers 52 are in U.S. Patent No. 7,786,341 disclosed. carded Resin-bonded nonwoven fabrics may be used, particularly if the fibers used are solid and round or round and hollow PET staple fibers (50/50 or 40/60 blend of 6 denier and 9 denier fibers). An exemplary binder is butadiene / styrene latex. Nonwovens have the advantage that they can be produced and stored outside the processing chain and used as a roll of material.

The recording layer 52 can be stabilized by a latex binder, for example a styrene-butadiene latex binder (SB latex).

In addition to a first recording layer described above, an additional recording layer can additionally be used. For example, a tissue layer may be disposed between the first acquisition layer and the distribution layer. The fabric may have improved capillary distribution properties over the receiving layer described above. The fabric and the first distribution layer may be the same size or a different size. For example, the tissue layer may extend further toward the backside of the absorbent article than the first acquisition layer. An example of hydrophilic fabric are 13-15 gsm cellulosic fibers having a high wet strength from Havix supplier.

fastening system

The absorbent article may include a fastening system. The fastening system can be used to provide lateral tensions around the periphery of the absorbent article to hold the absorbent article to the wearer, as is conventional with adhesive-backed diapers. This fastening system is not necessary for the training diaper panty article because the waist region of these articles is already glued. The fastening system may include a fastener such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastener components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs and slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and / or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known fastener is also within the scope of the present disclosure. A landing zone 44 is usually on the garment-facing surface in the front waist area 5 provided to releasably attach the fastener thereto. Some exemplary surface mount systems are in U.S. Patent No. 3,848,594 . U.S. Patent No. 4,662,875 . U.S. Patent No. 4,846,815 . U.S. Patent No. 4,894,060 . U.S. Patent No. 4,946,527 . U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 and U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274 disclosed. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is shown in FIG U.S. Patent No. 6,432,098 disclosed. The fastening system may also provide means for holding the article in a disposal configuration, as in FIG U.S. Patent No. 4,963,140 issued to Robertson et al.

The fastening system may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,622 disclosed in order to reduce the displacement of overlapped portions or to improve the fit, as in U.S. Patent No. 5,242,436 . U.S. Patent No. 5,499,978 . U.S. Patent No. 5,507,736 and U.S. Patent No. 5,591,152 disclosed.

Front and rear wings

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have front wings 46 and rear wings 40 include. The wings can be a part of the basic unit, as seen from the upper class 24 and / or the lower class 26 be made as a side-cloth. Alternatively, the wing, as in 1 shown to be separate elements which are attached by gluing and / or heat embossing or compression molding. The rear wings 40 can be stretchable to attach the tabs 42 at the landing zone 44 to facilitate and keep the taped diapers at the waist of the wearer. The rear wings 40 may also be elastic or stretchable to provide a more comfortable and snug fit by initially adapting the absorbent article to the wearer and maintaining that fit well throughout the wear period, even well after the absorbent article has been loaded with exudates, as it is the same elastic wings allow the sides of the absorbent article to stretch and contract.

Elastic waist feature

The absorbent article may also include at least one elastic waist feature (not shown) that allows for improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature is generally intended to elastically expand and contract to dynamically conform to the wearer's waist. The elastic waist feature may extend at least longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist edge of the absorbent core 28 generally extend and form at least a portion of the end edge of the absorbent article. Disposable diapers can be constructed to have two elastic waist features, one located at the front waist and one at the back of the waist. The elastic waist feature may be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those described in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 4,515,595 . US Patent No. 4,710,189 . U.S. Patent No. 5,151,092 and U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274 are described.

Relationships between the layers

Conventionally, adjacent layers and components are bonded together using conventional bonding techniques, such as adhesive coating by track coating or spraying on all or part of the surface of the layer, heat bonding, pressure bonding or combinations thereof. This binding is not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity and readability (except for the bond between the raised element of the leg cuffs 65 with the upper class 24 ), but the bond between the layers of the article should be considered as existing, if not expressly excluded. Adhesives can usually be used to increase the adhesion of the various layers between the underlayer 25 and core transformation. The adhesive may be any conventional hot melt adhesive known in the art.

If a recording layer 52 is present, it may be desirable that this receiving layer in the longitudinal and / or transverse dimension is greater than or at least as large as the distribution layer 54 , Thus, the distribution layer 52 be deposited on the recording layer. This simplifies the handling, in particular if the receiving layer is a fleece that can be unrolled from a roll of stock material. The distribution layer may also be deposited directly on top of the absorbent core of the core wrap or other layer of the article. In addition, it allows a recording layer 52 Larger than the distribution layer, glue the recording layer directly to the memory core (in the larger regions). This can provide increased area integrity and better fluid communication.

The absorbent core and in particular its deposition region 8th of absorbent material may be at least as large and long as and at least partially larger and / or longer than the acquisition distribution system (ADS). The reason for this is that the absorbent material in the core can typically trap liquid more effectively and provide dryness benefits over a larger area than the fibrous layer. The absorbent article may comprise a rectangular SAP layer and a non-rectangular (shaped) fibrous layer. The absorbent article may also comprise a rectangular (non-formed) fibrous layer and a rectangular layer of SAP.

Sanitary napkins features

In one embodiment, with reference to 22 , The absorbent article may be a sanitary napkin 3010 be. The sanitary napkin 3010 can be a liquid-permeable top layer 3014 , a liquid impermeable or substantially liquid impermeable backsheet 3016 , and an absorbent core 3018 include. The absorbent core 3018 may have any or all of the features herein with respect to the absorbent cores 28 and may, in some embodiments, have a second topsheet instead of the uptake distribution system disclosed above. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also wings 3020 include, with respect to a longitudinal axis 3080 the sanitary napkin 3010 extend close to the outside. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also have a transverse axis 3090 include. The wings 3020 can with the upper class 3014 , the lower class 3016 , and / or the absorbent core 3018 be connected. The sanitary napkin 3010 can also have a leading edge 3022 , a trailing edge 3024 in the longitudinal direction opposite the front edge 3022 , a first side edge 3026 , and a second side edge 3028 in the longitudinal direction opposite the first side edge 3026 include. The longitudinal axis 3080 may be from a midpoint of the leading edge 3022 to a center of the trailing edge 3024 extend. The transverse axis 3090 may be from a midpoint of the first side edge 3028 to a center of the second side edge 3028 extend. The sanitary napkin 3010 may also be provided with additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins as known in the art.

Method of making the article

The absorbent articles of the invention may be prepared by any conventional method known in the art. In particular, the articles may be handmade or manufactured industrially at high speed.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be construed as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values given. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each of these dimensions is intended to mean both the indicated value and a functionally corresponding range surrounding this value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Each document cited herein, including any related patent or application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, if not expressly stated otherwise. Citation of a document does not imply that it is prior art, with respect to an embodiment disclosed herein or claimed herein, or that it alone, in any combination with other document or other documents, teaches such an embodiment, or disclosed. Further, if a meaning or definition of a term in this document disrupts another meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition attributed to the term in this document is to be determinative.

Although particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Cited non-patent literature

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Claims (24)

An absorbent article comprising: a front edge ( 10 ); a rear edge ( 12 ) in the longitudinal direction relative to the front edge; a front waist area ( 5 ), a rear waist region ( 6 ), a step area ( 7 ) disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, each of the three portions being 1/3 of the longitudinal length of the absorbent article; a longitudinal axis ( 80 ) extending from a center of the leading edge to a center of the trailing edge; a liquid-permeable upper layer ( 24 ); a liquid impermeable backsheet ( 25 ); and an absorbent core ( 28 ) disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core wrap surrounding an absorbent material, the core wrap being a first material ( 16 ) and a second material ( 16 ' ), wherein the absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymers, wherein the absorbent core has a first channel ( 26 ) which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers and oriented at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the article, the first channel having a curved portion facing the longitudinal axis and an angle (A1) between a tangent of the curved portion and the longitudinal axis is greater than or equal to 20 degrees; and a second channel ( 26 ' ), which is substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers, wherein the first channel is symmetrical about the second channel about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the channels are positioned at least within the front waist region, the rear waist region and the crotch region. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first material at least partially forms a C-wrap around the second material. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent material comprises at least 70% by weight of the superabsorbent polymers of the absorbent core material in the core wrap. An absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the absorbent material comprises at least 80% by weight of superabsorbent polymers of the absorbent material contained in the core wrap. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle is greater than or equal to 45 degrees. The absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the angle is greater than or equal to 75 degrees. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said curved portion ( 33 ) is present in the front waist region, and wherein a second angle (A3) between a second tangent of a portion of the channel in the crotch region and the longitudinal axis is less than the angle (A1). The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the second angle is less than about 1 degree. Absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the first channel has a second curved portion (FIG. 33 ' ) facing the longitudinal axis in the rear waist region, and wherein a third angle (A2) between a third tangent of the second curved section and the longitudinal axis is different from the first angle and the second angle. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the third angle is less than angle and greater than the second angle. Absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the absorbent core comprises a channel or pocket ( 29 . 37 ), which are substantially free of the superabsorbent polymers, and wherein a portion of the channel or pocket is on the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the channel or pocket has a curved portion facing the trailing edge, and wherein an angle between a tangent of the curved portion and the longitudinal axis is about 85 to about 95 degrees. The absorbent article of claim 11, wherein the channel or pocket has a curved portion that faces a first side edge (14). 3 ) of the absorbent article, and wherein an angle between a tangent of the curved portion and the longitudinal axis is about 0.1 degrees to about 10 degrees. Absorbent article according to one of the preceding claims, two barrier leg cuffs ( 34 ) extending at least in part between the leading edge and the trailing edge on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, each barrier leg cuff comprising: a proximal edge (14); 64 ) connected to the topsheet or the backsheet; and a free end edge ( 66 ). Absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the starch at the crotch point (C) of the article ranges from 4.0 mm to 12.0 mm. Absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein the starch at the crotch point ranges from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent material also comprises cellulosic fibers. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel is permanent. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top of the core wrap and the bottom of the core wrap are bonded over at least a portion of the channel. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom are bonded to each other over at least a portion of the channel by an adhesive. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom are bonded to one another via at least a portion of the channel by pressure bonding. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom surfaces are ultrasonically bonded to one another via at least a portion of the channel. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom are bonded to each other via at least a portion of the channel by heat bonding. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom are bonded to each other over at least a portion of the channel by bonding and pressure bonding and / or heat sealing.

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